Please be aware that each community where Mercy Connect provides services is experiencing increased numbers of positive COVID-19 cases. Our Central West Team has witnessed high case numbers over the past few weeks, and now our Albury-Wodonga community is responding to a similar situation. We are very aware of the effect that this is having on staff and participants (including families / guardians), with our staff numbers also being impacted due to increased exposure sites.
However, despite this, Mercy Connect has overseen a smooth transition to introducing mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for all our staff, in line with the recent NSW Public Health Order. This has been further supported by everyone’s continued adherence to social distancing, PPE and hygiene protocols, which helps to reduce the risk of infection within our Mercy Community. I am extremely grateful for everyone’s positive contributions as we continue to provide a safe work environment.
Please refer below for further information that will be useful during these concerning times, including helpful reminders on how we can each ensure that Mercy Connect remains a safe place for everyone.
Casual and Close Contacts and Self-Isolation
A close contact is someone who:
- Is likely to have come into contact with a person who has COVID-19 and
- Is at risk of developing COVID-19.
A casual contact is someone who has been in the same general area as someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus while infectious.
There are several ways you may find out you are a close or casual contact, including:
- A text or call from NSW Health or the Department of Education.
- A notification by your workplace or other organisation (such as school, university or childcare centre).
- Look at the Service NSW website https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/stay-safe/case-locations/exposure-sites to see if you have visited an exposure site.
Self-isolation periods and testing requirements differ for close contacts based on their exposure and vaccination status. You may need to follow different advice if you are a household contact or another type of close contact.
For more information on close contacts visit: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/advice-for-contacts.aspx
Face Masks
As a provider of Day Program activities, and Residential Disability Care Facilities (accommodation / housing), Mercy Connect must comply with relevant NSW disability-specific requirements, found here https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/disability-support.aspx and here https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/disability-latest-advice.aspx.
Visitors
- Accommodation residencies:
- Two people (aged 12 years and over) per day will be permitted to visit a participant in our accommodation facilities. To receive a visitor a resident must be fully vaccinated.
- All visitors (Accommodation and Corporate Offices) aged 16 years and over must be fully vaccinated (or have a medical exemption).
- All Visitors must have proof of vaccination or a medical exemption which needs to be sighted before being permitted into the Office or Administration Areas.
QR Code
All staff (and approved external visitors) must continue to check-in using the Service NSW QR code, which is located at all Mercy Connect locations.
Please note that all family / guardian communications are available on our website https://mercyconnect.org.au/ and through Mercy Connect social media pages i.e. Facebook and Instagram.
If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us on 02 60433 500 or enquiries@mercyconnect.org.au
Together we grow.
Trent Dean
Chief Executive Officer